35 first-time MLAs meet PM Narendra Modi; hear about cooperative federalism

NEW DELHI: 35 first-time MLAs from Maharashtra today called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi who told them about his government's initiatives towards "cooperative federalism".

During the meeting, Modi said states have been allocated 62 per cent of the total resources in the Union Budget while only 38 per cent have been left for use by the Centre.

He spoke about the Union Government`s acceptance of the recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission regarding devolution of 42 per cent of the divisible pool of taxes to states.

He told the MLAs, who were accompanied by Speaker of Maharashtra Assembly Haribhau Bagde, that the states would also benefit from the proceeds from coal auctions and the enhanced mineral royalties.

These additional funds and resources at the disposal of the states should be primarily directed towards infrastructure building, the Prime Minister said. ====